51 Acknowledged

The outcome of the Lancaster House summit was a major step change in the UK’s...

Recommendation
The outcome of the Lancaster House summit was a major step change in the UK’s relationship with the EU after Brexit, but it has, naturally, not been able to resolve all outstanding issues. Further pressure for negotiations will remain. We are supportive of the Government’s efforts to pursue additional priorities for improvement to the UK-EU economic relationship that were not agreed at the Lancaster House summit, in particular on mutual recognition of conformity assessments, accession to the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Convention and removing difficulties faced by UK touring artists. We hope to see more progress on these at the next UK-EU summit later this year. (Conclusion, Paragraph 135)
Government Response Summary
The government states it is taking a pragmatic, sector-by-sector approach to closer economic cooperation with the EU and will continue to engage with stakeholders.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government Acknowledged
The Government was elected on the basis of manifesto commitments to reset relations with our European Partners, while sticking to our red lines – that we will not return to the Customs Union, Single Market, or freedom of movement. That is what this Government has delivered – though we are clear there is more to do. There are clear areas where closer alignment with the EU can benefit UK businesses, drive growth, create jobs and lower prices. We are already aligning with the Single Market in some areas to drive down the prices of food and energy. This could add up to £5.1 billion a year to our economy, increase agricultural exports to the EU by 16%, and mean lorries will spend less time in queues at the border. Ultimately, this could reduce pressure on food prices for consumers. The Government will look at other areas where the UK and EU can work together, as set out in our manifesto. Deeper economic integration is in our collective interest. As the Prime Minister has stated, we want closer economic cooperation with the EU. It will benefit British businesses, British workers and British security, The Government will continue to take a pragmatic, sector-by-sector approach. We recognise the importance of engaging industry as part of the UK-EU negotiations process, and the Government is in regular dialogue with stakeholders through both formal TCA fora, like the Domestic Advisory Group and the Civil Society Forum, and departmental-led fora on specific thematic issues.
Addressee Bodies
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Timeline
Recommendation age 0.4 yrs
Report published 04 Mar 2026